Submit Applications for October Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The October Fund is inviting non-profit organisations to apply for grants supporting sporting, social, educational, cultural, and community projects in Waterbeach and Landbeach. Eligible organisations can apply for grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 to support projects that strengthen local community life, improve well-being, address local needs, and benefit residents of different ages and backgrounds. What Is the October Fund? The October Fund provides financial support for charitable and community-focused projects taking place in the villages of Waterbeach and Landbeach. The fund is intended to help local organisations deliver activities and projects that create positive social, educational, sporting, cultural, and community outcomes. Funding can support both project running costs and small capital items, allowing organisations to develop activities as well as purchase or improve smaller items needed to deliver their work. The programme particularly values projects that respond to local priorities and provide clear benefits to people living in Waterbeach and Landbeach. What Types of Projects Does the October Fund Support? The fund supports a broad range of community activities, provided they are charitable, not-for-profit, and benefit the eligible local communities.

Potential areas of support include:

- Sporting activities and programmes. - Social and community activities. - Educational projects. - Youth outreach and engagement. - Activities supporting older people. - Arts and cultural events. - Community well-being initiatives. - Projects that strengthen community participation. - Improvements to community facilities. - Other locally focused projects addressing identified community needs. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed project and the needs of residents in Waterbeach and/or Landbeach. Why Does the October Fund Matter? Local voluntary and community organisations often depend on grants to deliver activities that benefit residents but may not generate enough income to cover their costs. The October Fund helps organisations overcome some of these financial barriers by providing funding for projects that strengthen community life.

The fund can help:

- Increase participation in community activities. - Improve physical and social well-being. - Create opportunities for children and young people. - Support older residents. - Encourage volunteering and community engagement. - Promote arts, culture, and recreation. - Improve access to community facilities. - Address locally identified social and community needs. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The October Fund is open to eligible non-profit organisations whose proposed projects benefit Waterbeach and/or Landbeach.

Potential eligible applicants include:

- Registered charities. - Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs). - Parish and town councils. - Community Interest Companies (CICs). - Social enterprises. - Schools. - Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs). - Other eligible non-profit community organisations. Applicants should ensure that their organisation meets the fund’s governance and eligibility requirements before submitting an application. What Are the Funding Amounts? Eligible projects can apply for grants ranging from:

- Minimum grant: £1,000

- Maximum grant: £10,000

Funding can contribute towards:

- Project running costs. - Delivery costs. - Small capital items. - Equipment or other eligible items needed to deliver the project. Applicants should provide a clear explanation of how the requested funding will be spent and how those costs relate to the proposed community activities. What Projects Receive Priority? Priority is given to projects that demonstrate strong community value and respond to local needs. Projects may be particularly relevant where they: - Encourage community engagement and participation. - Promote health and well-being. - Address identified needs within Waterbeach or Landbeach. - Support older people. - Provide youth activities or outreach. - Promote arts and cultural participation. - Improve or enhance community facilities. - Create opportunities for residents from different backgrounds and age groups. A strong application should clearly explain the local need, the proposed solution, and the expected benefits for residents. What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements? Projects must meet the fund’s basic requirements to be considered.

The proposed project must:

- Have a charitable or community-focused purpose. - Be delivered on a not-for-profit basis. - Benefit residents of Waterbeach and/or Landbeach. - Not have already taken place. - Be supported by an eligible organisation. - Meet the fund’s organisational and governance requirements. Applicants should also provide the required organisational documentation as part of the application. What Documentation May Be Required? Applicants should be prepared to provide organisational and governance documents requested by the fund.

These may include relevant evidence of:

- Organisational status. - Registration. - Governance arrangements. - Financial management. - Trustees, directors, or responsible officers. - Organisational policies where applicable. Applicants should check the current application guidance carefully to identify the exact documents required for their organisation type. How to Apply for the October Fund Eligible organisations should prepare their application around the needs of the local community and the outcomes their project will deliver.

Step 1: Confirm Your Organisation Is Eligible

Check that your organisation is an eligible non-profit body and has the appropriate governance and registration arrangements.

Step 2: Confirm the Project Location

Make sure the project will directly benefit residents of Waterbeach and/or Landbeach. The local benefit should be clearly demonstrated in the application.

Step 3: Identify the Community Need

Explain the problem, gap, or opportunity the project is intended t